Mushrooms' Power: Fighting Cancer

Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for thousands of years, and more recently, their use for treating cancer has increased in other parts of the world. They are being studied to determine how they affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill cancer cells. Certain chemical compounds in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in turkey tail mushrooms, are thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who consume mushrooms may live longer, possibly due to a positive immune response. However, it is important to note that the FDA has not approved the use of mushrooms or their extracts as a treatment for cancer, and more research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and impacts on various types of cancer.

Mushrooms and their bioactive compounds

Mushrooms have been used as medicine in Asia for a long time, including for the treatment of cancer. In recent decades, their use for treating cancer has increased in other parts of the world. The therapeutic potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms is attributed to the bioactive substances present in them.

Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. They are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant and cellular protector. Replenishing antioxidants in the body may help protect against oxidative stress and lower the risk of cancer. Polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in turkey tail mushrooms, for example, are thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Mushroom-derived compounds can also exert antitumor and antimetastatic effects by affecting various molecules in the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Some mushrooms, such as lion's mane, may contain phytoestrogen, which may stimulate the growth of certain breast cancer cells. However, most studies show a positive effect on the immune system. Certain mushrooms stimulate the compounds responsible for tumor suppression, and some decrease inflammatory compounds, which is helpful for cancer patients. For example, shiitake mushroom extract, called lentinan, may slow the growth of some cancer cells and has been shown to have anti-cancer effects on skin, lung, and prostate cancer cells.

While mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, such as improved appetite, physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue, more research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms involved and the impact on specific cancers. It is important to note that mushroom supplements have not been approved by the FDA or similar organizations as a treatment for cancer, and mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity, although these side effects are typically mild or moderate.

Tumour suppression

Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, especially in Asian countries. They are packed with vitamin D and are rich in fibre, both of which are essential for a healthy immune system.

Mushrooms are also being studied for their potential to suppress tumours. Certain mushrooms are believed to stimulate compounds that suppress tumours and decrease inflammatory compounds, which is beneficial for cancer patients. For example, Inonotus obliquus blocks the CTLA-4/CD80 interaction, increasing T cell activity so that cancer cells cannot escape the immune response.

Additionally, mushroom-derived compounds have been shown to exert antitumour and antimetastatic effects by affecting various molecules in the PI3K/AKT pathway. For instance, hispolon, derived from Phellinus linteus, inhibited the invasion and motility of a highly metastatic liver cancer cell line (SK-Hep1) by downregulating MMP2, MMP9, and uPa, and inhibiting the activation of the ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT, and FAK pathways.

While the use of mushrooms in cancer treatment is promising, it is important to note that the majority of studies have been conducted in Asia, and more research is needed to determine if the same effects will be observed in other populations. Additionally, the specific mechanisms by which mushrooms improve quality of life indicators for cancer patients, such as reduced fatigue, are not yet fully understood.

Mushrooms' impact on the immune system

Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for a long time. In recent decades, their use for treating a number of diseases, including cancers, has increased in other parts of the world. Mushrooms are rich in fiber, vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of all essential amino acids.

Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, improved physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer. This may be linked to a positive immune response, but there may be other factors. For example, one study showed that people who took mushrooms were able to tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment, probably because they experienced fewer side effects.

Research is ongoing to determine how mushrooms affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow the growth of tumors or kill tumor cells. It is thought that some of the chemical compounds in mushrooms might strengthen the immune system, which could help fight cancer cells. Certain mushrooms stimulate the compounds responsible for tumor suppression, and there are also mushrooms that decrease inflammatory compounds, which is helpful for cancer patients.

Some specific types of mushrooms and their effects on the immune system include:

• Turkey tail mushrooms, which contain the compound Polysaccharide K (PSK). PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan, and it is thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.
• Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine and have been shown to induce apoptosis in drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells.
• Shiitake mushrooms, which contain a beta glucan compound called lentinan that may stimulate the immune system by triggering certain cells and proteins in the body to attack cancer cells.
• Lion's mane mushrooms, which may help improve cognitive function and treat "chemo brain," but they may also contain phytoestrogen, which could stimulate the growth of certain breast cancer cells.

While mushrooms have been shown to have positive effects on the immune system and cancer treatment, it is important to note that they are not a cure for cancer and should be used in addition to standard cancer treatments. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of mushrooms on the immune system and cancer.

Appetite and quality of life improvements

Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients. These include improved appetite, physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue. While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is believed that the lowering of inflammation may be a key factor in reducing fatigue levels.

In addition to their potential medicinal properties, culinary mushrooms are a great addition to any diet. They are rich in fiber, which supports a healthy microbiome, and provide "umami," the savory taste that enhances the flavor of dishes.

Mushrooms are also being studied for their potential to extend survival after a cancer diagnosis. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who incorporate mushrooms into their diet may live longer, possibly due to a positive immune response and the ability to tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment with fewer side effects.

It is important to note that most studies on mushrooms and cancer have been conducted in Asia, and metabolic differences may lead to varying responses in other parts of the world. Additionally, while generally safe, mushrooms can cause mild to moderate liver or kidney toxicity in some cases.

While the research is promising, more large-scale studies are needed to fully understand the impact of mushrooms on cancer treatment and survival.

Anti-cancer effects on skin, lung and prostate cancer cells

Mushrooms have been used medicinally for a long time in Asian countries, and in recent decades, their use for treating cancers has increased in other parts of the world. The therapeutic potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms is attributed to the bioactive substances they contain. Mushroom-derived compounds can exert antitumor and antimetastatic effects by affecting various molecules in the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Skin cancer

Polysaccharide K (PSK), found in turkey tail mushrooms, has been studied in patients with various cancers, including skin cancer. PSK has been used as adjuvant therapy in thousands of cancer patients since the mid-1970s, particularly in Japan, where few side effects have been reported. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that PSK can increase the number of cancer-killing immune cells and has anticancer effects in tissue that receives radiation therapy. Turkey tail mushrooms also contain polysaccharides (beta-glucans), which are thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.

Lung cancer

Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases for many years. In Japan, reishi is used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Studies suggest that reishi may help strengthen the immune system in patients with lung cancer. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (PLP), found in Ganoderma species, inhibits the constitutive activation of NF-κB, decreasing the expression of PGP in cancer cells.

Prostate cancer

Research has found that men who consumed mushrooms at least once a week had a lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who did not. This may be due to mushrooms' high levels of ergothioneine, an antioxidant and potential cancer preventive compound. Shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster mushrooms have the highest concentrations of ergothioneine.

Frequently asked questions